With over 900 churches In Rome alone, it’s no wonder narrowing down the list to those most worth visiting is a challenge. The great thing about Rome’s abundance of churches is that many are top-rated for tourists keen to see its most awe-inspiring sacred spaces. The grand architecture and world-renowned historic works of art don’t even begin to cover the features that visitors will find in these churches – they have to be seen to be believed. Rome’s most beautiful places of worship are worth adding to any Italy itinerary!
ten St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano)
Without question to many, St. Peter’s Basilica is known as the most beautiful church in Rome, and it is also the best known. Raphael, Bramante and Michelangelo all played a role in the design of this incredible basilica, with classic Renaissance details and artwork. After 120 years of construction, it has been touted as the largest church in Christendom and one of the most breathtaking and ornate.
9 The pantheon
The Pantheon is known as one of Rome’s most popular tourist sites thanks to its incredible preservation over the centuries. This temple was built to honor the gods and was rebuilt in 120 AD by Hadrian to be the architectural marvel it is today. Its granite columns were imported from Egypt and its domed roof is one of its distinctive features, known to seemingly defy logic due to its illusory appearance.
8 The Sistine Chapel
Tens of thousands of people visit the Sistine Chapel every week, making it one of Rome’s most visited attractions. However, it is also one of the most beautiful and highly rated churches in the Eternal City. After four years of work, Michelangelo completed nine ceiling panels depicting Genesis. The figures depicted in the artwork appear to flow and bend, like a human would if painted on the ceiling, giving the entire scene a flowing feel that leaves most visitors breathless.
seven Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
The particularity of this basilica is that not only is it one of the four patriarchal basilicas of Rome, but it is also the only one that has celebrated mass consistently since the 5th century. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore also houses one of the oldest mosaics in Rome, which dates back to somewhere between the 4th and 5th centuries.
6 Santa Maria del Popolo
Although the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo may not be as ornate as the others, it houses works of art that are no less impressive. With original paintings by Caravaggio on the walls joining works by Raphael, Carracci, Bernini and Pinturicchio, some of Rome’s greatest Renaissance artwork can be found in this church.
5 Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano)
St. John in Lateran holds a special place in Rome due to the fact that it was used as the Pope’s residence prior to his residence in the Vatican. It is a classic example of Baroque architecture and was built in 313, but was again rebuilt between the 16th and 17th centuries. The facade of this church is what catches the eye of many visitors, with statues by Alessandro Galilei sculpted in 1735.
4 Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of the oldest churches in Rome is Santa Maria in Trastevere. This church was built in 350 AD and is easily located in the heart of the Trastevere district. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with stunning mosaics dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, making it a church that also houses some of Rome’s oldest works of art.
3 Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Those who visit the Pantheon may not realize that they are only steps away from the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Although unsuspecting compared to its history-rich neighbour, this church houses a miniature museum – the Minerva – that is well worth a visit. Other than that, this church is easily recognizable as it is the only church ever built in the Gothic style in Rome.
2 Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente has quite an architectural history, as it was originally built on top of a former imperial residence. However, in addition to this, a 4th century church was built, and then, finally, the Basilica of San Clemente. The unique features of this basilica include its detailed gold-flecked mosaic ceiling in the apse. Beneath the basilica, visitors will find historic Christian artifacts just below the marble floor. Visitors can book 1 hour, 2 hour and 2.5 hour tours.
1 St. Agnes Church
This 17th-century Baroque-style church faces Rome’s Piazza Navona, a popular gathering place in the city. The significance of this church, besides its incredible architecture, is that it was the place of the martyrdom of the early Christian Saint Agnes. Therefore, its spiritual significance is just as important as its historical significance in Rome, making it one of the top-rated churches in the city for a multitude of reasons.
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